- Lagos Intensifies Okada Ban Enforcement, Arrests 309 Riders
- Task Force Dismantles Illegal Structures
- Warned that the agency would continue enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with the law is achieved
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) has arrested 309 commercial motorcycle operators during a large scale enforcement operation along the ECOWAS Road corridor as part of efforts to enforce the state’s ban on motorcycles on highways and other restricted routes.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the exercise, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources with support from the Lagos State Police Command, also targeted illegal street trading, shanties, makeshift shops, kiosks and other environmental nuisances obstructing public spaces.
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According to the agency, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Lagos by preventing criminal elements from operating under the guise of illegal commercial activities. It also aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and supports the security initiatives of the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
Enforcement teams covered several strategic locations, including Orile Iganmu Bus Stop, Suuru Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana Ira, Abule Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop.
During the operation, officials dismantled illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, unapproved wooden structures, abandoned household items, indiscriminately displayed building materials and other obstructions along the highway, restoring order and improving traffic flow within the corridor.
The Task Force said all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness along the corridor as disturbing, noting that illegal ticketing, street trading and the activities of commercial motorcyclists had contributed to insecurity, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
He warned that the agency would continue enforcement operations across the state until full compliance with the law is achieved.
“No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State either desist from these unlawful activities or relocate. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone,” Akerele said.
